Mediation

Semester: Fall 2011

Class Unique: 29440

Course ID: 381S

Credit Hours: 3

The course approaches the study of mediation from three fronts: theory, law, and skills. We study the theory of conflict and conflict resolution through mediation; statutory and case law at play in mediated cases; the "law of settlement;" the significance of confidentiality in mediation and legal challenges to confidentiality; ethics and professionalism in mediation; and ethical and advocacy issues related to representation of parties who participate in mediation. To develop mediation and advocacy skills, students participate in a number of role-playing exercises and simulated mediations. Students play the roles of mediators, attorneys for parties in mediation, and the parties themselves, and then students analyze these experiences in light of the legal and theoretical bases of mediation.
This course is open to Law students as well as graduate students from other disciplines. This course meets the requirements of the interdisciplinary Portfolio Program in Dispute Resolution as a course in theory and skills.
There is no final examination for this course. Instead, students complete several short writing assignments throughout the semester.
Students who successfully complete the course receive a certificate indicating that they have met the qualifications set forth in the Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution Act for appointment as a mediator.